Moving to Pittsburgh offers new arrivals a beautifully scenic and often undersold city positioned at the confluence of three rivers in western Pennsylvania. The city has quite a number of bridges – more than 440, in fact, and it’s thanks to this that Pittsburgh is often fondly referred to as the ‘City of Bridges’. Pittsburgh actually has more bridges than any other city in the world, including Venice, Italy.

For the same reason, newcomers to Pittsburgh can end up taking a while to figure out the complicated network of roads and bridges that connect the city’s 90 distinct neighbourhoods.

Getting Around in Pittsburgh

Living in Pittsburgh as an expat

The second most populous city in the state, Pittsburgh is a major centre of steel production, education, and technology. Apart from steel, other thriving industries include glass, aluminium, and petroleum. The city has experienced significant tech growth, with major companies like Google, Apple, and Meta (Facebook) establishing operations alongside hundreds of other technology firms.

Pittsburgh also has dozens of higher education institutions, including Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, both of which are industry leaders in research and development. The University of Pittsburgh and its affiliated medical centre are actually the largest non-governmental employers in the region.

Pittsburgh locals are generally friendly and welcoming, so you shouldn’t find it too hard to settle in. Sports fans will enjoy Pittsburgh’s fanatic sports culture, and supporting local teams can be a great way to meet people. The city offers a laid-back lifestyle, and for those who enjoy a drink or two, there are craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries popping up throughout the city. Culture vultures will have plenty of museums and galleries to keep them occupied.

Cost of living in Pittsburgh

The cost of living in Pittsburgh is remarkably affordable compared to other major cities such as New York and Los Angeles. Recent data shows Pittsburgh is about 75 percent less expensive than Los Angeles, and its housing costs are particularly attractive.

You’ll find that accommodation costs in the city are reasonable, and you’ll have plenty of areas and suburbs to choose from. You’ll need to budget for utility costs in Pittsburgh, and if you’re planning on owning a vehicle, you’ll have to account for petrol prices that can be higher than the national average. Public transport via Pittsburgh Regional Transit serves the city well, with plenty of bus routes and a light rail.

Cost of Living in Pittsburgh 
Accommodation in Pittsburgh 
Best Places to Live in Pittsburgh

Families and children in Pittsburgh

If you’re moving to Pittsburgh with children, you’ll be glad to know that the city’s reputation for high-quality education extends to its public schools, with magnet and charter schools being especially highly regarded. The district offers numerous specialised magnet programmes, including Pittsburgh Obama Academy, which provides the International Baccalaureate. Language-immersion schools are also available throughout the system.

There is also plenty to see and do, and the city has a brimming events calendar, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to entertaining your tots and teens at the weekend. The city’s numerous parks, museums, and family-friendly venues provide year-round activities.

Education and Schools in Pittsburgh 
Lifestyle in Pittsburgh

Climate in Pittsburgh

The climate in Pittsburgh is continental and marked by cold winters with significant snowfall and warm, humid summers. The city receives an average of 44 inches (112cm) of snow annually, typically from November through March. Thunderstorms are common during summer months, and the city’s weather can be quite unpredictable owing to cold air masses from Canada and varying effects stemming from the Great Lakes. Newcomers to Pittsburgh should prepare appropriate winter clothing, including thermal layers, waterproof boots, and warm outerwear for the extended cold season.

There’s a lot to love about life in Pittsburgh. The City of Bridges offers a good quality of life while maintaining a low cost of living as a proudly diverse region with a multicultural heritage. You’ll have no trouble settling in quickly.

Newcomers to Pittsburgh can expect a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, hot summers, and year-round precipitation.

Pittsburgh winters, from December through February, are cold, with average temperatures ranging from 23°F (-5°C) to 42°F (6°C). The coldest months often see temperatures dropping well below freezing, and you can expect around 16 snowy days per year with seasonal snowfall.

Spring arrives gradually, with temperatures warming quickly from March onwards. Summers between June and August are warm and humid, with average temperatures from 61°F (16°C) to 85°F (29°C). July typically brings the warmest weather of the year.

Pittsburgh receives substantial rainfall throughout the year, averaging about 41 inches (104cm) annually. The wettest months tend to be late spring and summer, and May through July have the heaviest precipitation, although rain is fairly evenly distributed across the seasons.

Accommodation in Pittsburgh offers something to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re searching for a family-friendly home in the suburbs or a studio apartment in the city centre, you’re bound to find something that fits your needs.

You’ll likely want to rent property at first to get to know the city and its neighbourhoods. Pittsburgh’s rental market is refreshingly affordable compared to other major US cities.

Neighbourhoods in Pittsburgh

Your choice of neighbourhood in Pittsburgh will be largely dependent on your priorities and preferences, as the city has something for every lifestyle and budget. For city living with easy access to universities and nightlife, areas like Bloomfield (‘Little Italy’) and the trendy Lawrenceville provide walkable communities with superb dining and entertainment options. Young professionals often gravitate toward Regent Square for its small-town feel within the city, and the Strip District attracts those seeking a hip, industrial aesthetic and a thriving startup culture.

Family-oriented accommodation seekers will find great options in Pittsburgh’s well-established suburbs, each offering distinct advantages. Mount Washington delivers stunning city views and extensive green spaces, and Squirrel Hill combines parkland with cultural diversity and top-rated schools.

Shadyside stands out as another professional favourite, offering upscale living with easy access to healthcare districts and universities. For those prioritising luxury and prestige, affluent areas like Edgeworth showcase beautiful Victorian architecture and highly rated educational facilities, and compact Aspinwall offers suburban charm with walkable amenities and transport links to the city centre.

Best and Worst Neighbourhoods in Pittsburgh

Types of accommodation in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a fast-growing city, and housing styles here range from historic Victorian homes to sleek modern developments. Plenty of new developments are popping up, including luxury condos and apartments. Most of these are in the city centre. Further out, housing is usually more spacious and not as modern.

Apartments

Apartment living tends to be the most common close to the downtown area. Apartments are an ideal choice if you want to live close to the action in the city centre. Generally, apartment complexes in Pittsburgh are in good condition, with many new luxury developments popping up.

Condos

Condos are similar to apartments but with a wider range of communal facilities such as gardens, swimming pools, fitness centres and laundry facilities. Condo living is a great option for new arrivals, as these complexes have a noticeable sense of community, which is conducive to making friends.

Duplexes

Duplexes and fourplexes consist of either two or four living units attached to each other with shared walls or stacked one on the other. These are often found in neighbourhoods located close to the central areas.

Houses

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to houses in Pittsburgh. You’ll need to move further away from the city centre for the best picks, but houses in Pittsburgh are generally spacious and offer good value for money. These mainly consist of ranch, American foursquare and row houses.

Finding accommodation in Pittsburgh

Finding accommodation in Pittsburgh generally starts with an internet search. Online property portals such as Zillow, Trulia, and Zumper can give you a good idea of what’s available at different price points in each area, along with information on what types of properties are the most common in each neighbourhood.

You’ll likely rent a property via a local real estate firm. Real estate agents typically have intimate knowledge of the local property market and will frequently have access to listings before they’re published, so you stand a good chance of finding your dream rental this way.

You can also rely on local neighbourhood social media groups to assist you in your house hunt. Facebook groups often yield great results, as locals are usually familiar with their city’s best areas and suburbs. Some expats will be lucky enough to have a relocation company working on their behalf, who will assess their preferences and shortlist properties for them to view.

Useful links

• Zillow
• Trulia
• Zumper
• Apartments.com

Renting accommodation in Pittsburgh

Once you’ve narrowed down your preferences in terms of the type of housing and suitable suburbs, finding a property shouldn’t prove too difficult.

Making an application

When you’ve found a property you’d like to rent, you’ll need to start by filing an application. Depending on the situation, you can either do this directly through the landlord or via the agent overseeing the property. As long as all the relevant checks and references are verified, a lease can be signed. You’ll benefit from having your US bank account and social security number set up, as this will speed up the whole rental process.

Leases

A standard rental contract in Pittsburgh is usually valid for a year, with the option to renew at the end of the initial term. Depending on where in the city they hope to live, it may also be possible for new arrivals to negotiate a shorter lease.

According to the state of Pennsylvania’s laws, you’ll need to give your landlord at least 15 days’ notice should you wish to terminate a 12-month or 6-month lease. At least 30 days’ notice is required for rental agreements that run for more than a year. Read the contract carefully and raise any concerns you may have with the landlord or agent before signing on the dotted line.

Short lets

Short lets in Pittsburgh are usually fully furnished with high-quality appliances and furniture that make for a comfortable stay as you acquaint yourself with your new city. Rental prices for short lets are typically higher than those for long-term rentals, but they frequently include cleaning and utility fees.

Deposits

According to the Pennsylvania landlord-tenant law, a landlord may charge you the equivalent of two months’ rent as a security deposit for the first year of renting and the equivalent of one month’s rent during all subsequent years of renting.

Some landlords may also require you to take out renter’s insurance.

Terminating the lease

Breaking a lease early in Pittsburgh typically requires you to provide proper notice as outlined in your rental agreement. Most landlords will expect you to continue paying rent until they find a replacement tenant, although some may charge an early termination fee instead. Pennsylvania law doesn’t provide automatic rights to break a lease without penalty, so you’ll need to review your specific contract terms or negotiate directly with your landlord.

Finding And Renting Accommodation In The USA

Useful links

• PA Legal Aid Network: Pennsylvania Tenant Rights

Utilities in Pittsburgh

You need to carefully check the terms of your lease to determine which utilities are included and what additional expenses you’ll be liable for. In most instances, the landlord covers standard utilities like gas, electricity and water, but you’ll be expected to pay for telephone services, internet, and cable.

Nonetheless, you’ll need to set up the utilities with a provider of your choice if the landlord or real estate agent has not done this. Most utility providers allow you to do this online or by telephone, so you’ll just need to verify your identity by providing your social security or driver’s licence number, new address, move-in date and payment information. Remember to take meter readings upon moving in to avoid incurring the previous tenant’s bills.

Electricity

Duquesne Light Company serves most of Pittsburgh, providing reliable electric service to the city and surrounding areas. You can set up service online through their customer portal or by calling their customer service line. Payment options include AutoPay from your bank account, online payments using credit/debit cards, digital wallets, automated phone service, mobile app, or traditional mail payments. West Penn Power serves some outlying areas with similar setup and payment options.

Gas

Natural gas service comes from either Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania or Peoples Gas, depending on your specific location in Pittsburgh. The service is piped directly to your property and typically covers both heating and cooking appliances. Most Pittsburgh homes rely heavily on natural gas for heating during the cold winters.

Both companies offer convenient setup processes online or by phone, with payment options including online banking, credit/debit cards, PayPal, Venmo, Amazon Pay, automatic bank transfers, and phone payments.

Water

The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) handles all water and sewerage services for the city. Pittsburgh’s drinking water comes from the Allegheny River and undergoes comprehensive treatment, producing about 70 million gallons daily. The water meets all federal safety standards, and most residents drink it straight from the tap. PWSA has made significant improvements to water quality in recent years, including the addition of orthophosphate to prevent lead contamination from older pipes. You’ll need to contact PWSA directly to establish service at your new address.

Bins and recycling

The City of Pittsburgh provides single-stream recycling to single-family homes, duplexes and small apartment blocks, which allows all recyclable materials to be placed in one bin. Pittsburgh also does regular curbside rubbish collection, with different days for residential rubbish and recyclable materials. You can visit the City of Pittsburgh’s environmental services website to find the schedules for the different areas and suburbs.

Useful links

• Duquesne Light Company and West Penn Power
• Columbia Gas Of Pennsylvania and Peoples Gas
• Pittsburgh Water And Sewer Authority

The best places to live in Pittsburgh

With such a wide variety of areas and suburbs in Pittsburgh, you'll have loads of options when it comes to deciding which neighbourhood suits you best. There's something for everyone – from buzzing inner-city areas to tranquil, family-friendly suburbs.

Below are some options worth considering.

City living in Pittsburgh

Bloomfield

Affectionately known as the 'Little Italy of Pittsburgh', Bloomfield sits about three miles from Downtown and remains popular among students and young professionals. Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh are both roughly one mile (1.6km) south, while the downtown area is just a 15-minute drive away. Transport links are reliable, and the area is home to numerous authentic Italian restaurants and cafés that reflect its strong Italian-American heritage dating back to settlers from the Abruzzo region.

Lawrenceville

Widely considered Pittsburgh's hippest neighbourhood, Lawrenceville has transformed dramatically over the past decade from an overlooked area into one of the city's most desirable locations. Its trendy industrial aesthetic, converted warehouse buildings, and thriving arts scene draw young professionals and creatives. New arrivals moving to Lawrenceville will find they have some of Pittsburgh’s best nightlife, craft breweries, and boutique shopping right on their doorstep.

Regent Square

Regent Square offers a distinctive small-town atmosphere within the city limits, making it particularly appealing to young professionals seeking a community feel. This charming tree-lined neighbourhood spans four municipalities – Pittsburgh, Edgewood, Swissvale, and Wilkinsburg – and sits adjacent to Frick Park. The area features an active business district along Braddock Avenue and provides easy access to the park's recreational facilities, including dog areas, hiking trails, and green spaces.

Strip District

The Strip District is a hip and trendy neighbourhood lined with converted warehouses. It has developed into a thriving hub for innovation and creativity, with many tech startups and creative businesses establishing operations here. This has fuelled a booming residential market. You'll find yourself within walking distance of cultural attractions like the Heinz History Center, as well as speciality shopping and food experiences.

Public Transport in Pittsburgh

Family-friendly suburbs in Pittsburgh

Mount Washington

Recognised as Pittsburgh's most scenic neighbourhood, Mount Washington delivers stunning panoramic views of the city skyline that USA Today named among America's top 10 most beautiful places. The area offers extensive green spaces through Emerald View Park, a 257-acre (104-hectare) network connecting multiple parks and providing hiking trails, dog parks, and recreational facilities. Housing options range from restored early 1900s homes to modern family residences, with the neighbourhood maintaining excellent walkability and access to both historic inclines for easy downtown commutes.

Squirrel Hill

With over 1,100 acres (445 hectares) of parkland, including the renowned Schenley Park, and a reputation as one of Pittsburgh's most culturally diverse areas, Squirrel Hill remains ideal for families. The neighbourhood benefits from highly rated schools within the Pittsburgh Public School District and maintains a strong sense of community. Families looking for outstanding educational opportunities and a diverse cultural experience will find a warm and inviting atmosphere in this lush area, which offers a well-balanced blend of Jewish heritage and international influences.

Aspinwall

This compact 0.4-square-mile (1km²) borough in Allegheny County packs considerable appeal for families, offering a walkable suburban lifestyle with independent businesses, speciality shops, and local amenities. New arrivals will enjoy the neighbourhood's tree-lined streets, Victorian-era homes, and proximity to the Allegheny River. Aspinwall takes advantage of the exceptional Fox Chapel Area School District and maintains strong community connections through regular events and a pedestrian-friendly business district.

Edgeworth

Consistently ranked among Pittsburgh's most affluent suburbs, Edgeworth showcases beautiful 19th-century Victorian homes along tree-lined streets with exceptional walkability. The borough serves families through the highly rated Quaker Valley School District, and children can safely walk to school thanks to crossing guards and well-maintained pavements. The strong sense of community and excellent safety record make this an attractive option for families seeking a prestigious suburban setting with easy access to Pittsburgh.

Schools in Pittsburgh

Education and schools are highly valued in Pittsburgh, and the city is home to the renowned Carnegie Mellon University. The quality of local public schools is high, with options including charter and magnet schools. There are also private schools that base their teaching on religious or alternative education methods.

If you’re looking at schools in Pittsburgh, you’ll have to consider many factors, such as proximity to home and work, particular neighbourhoods, your child's specific educational needs, and budgetary concerns.

Public schools in Pittsburgh

Public schools in Pittsburgh generally have a good reputation, although naturally, some outperform others. Since school attendance is assigned based on residential zones, it’s a good idea for parents new to the area to do thorough research before deciding where to live. If you’re unsure about a school, you should check its Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) score, which measures English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science achievements.

Charter and magnet schools

Charter and magnet schools also receive state funding. They are typically considered more culturally diverse, and they offer a more personalised educational approach. Charter schools follow the state curriculum but are self-managed, meaning they are typically more innovative and flexible in their teaching styles than traditional public schools. Magnet schools are valued for their specialised curricula in fields such as the arts, science and languages.

Magnet schools offering language immersion are a decent substitute for the lack of international schools in Pittsburgh. These schools are not bilingual, but they do teach a foreign language. From Pre-K to Grade 5, there are various schools offering programmes for different languages, including Mandarin, German, French, and Spanish. From Grade 6 onwards, students have the option to continue at the Barack Obama Academy of International Studies, which teaches the International Baccalaureate.

IB schools

While Pittsburgh does not have schools teaching foreign curricula, a handful of schools in the city and its surroundings do offer the globally recognised International Baccalaureate. An International Baccalaureate Diploma allows students access to international education in 140 countries worldwide.

Public school districts such as Upper St. Clair and Pittsburgh Public Schools offer the International Baccalaureate curriculum. If you’d like your children to receive a globally transferable education, you’d do well to secure housing in the areas and suburbs within these districts.

Best Neighbourhoods in Pittsburgh

Useful links

• Pittsburgh Public Schools: Enrollment And Registration
• Pennsylvania Department Of Education
• Pittsburgh Public Schools: Magnet Schools Information

Private and international schools in Pittsburgh

There are several excellent options with a high standard of education when it comes to private and international schools in Pittsburgh. These schools are often based on alternative education models, such as Montessori or Waldorf, or are religious schools.

Unlike public schools, private schools charge tuition fees, so if you’re planning on taking this route, ensure there’s enough in your budget for it. A distinct advantage of private schools is that they aren’t zoned, so you have more options when it comes to choosing where to live.

Useful links

• Pennsylvania Association Of Independent Schools
• Waldorf School Of Pittsburgh
• Niche: Best Private Schools in the Pittsburgh Area

Special educational needs in Pittsburgh

Children with special educational needs are well-supported in Pittsburgh, with the city providing an extensive range of educational services and support for students with special needs in public schools. These services include learning, emotional, autistic, life skills, and multiple-disabilities support through individual school districts and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit.

Outside the public school system, the city has a few exceptional private schools that offer inclusive education. Pittsburgh also has several schools that cater to specific disabilities, such as the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, Pressley Ridge School for the Deaf, and specialised schools through the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, including Sunrise School and Pathfinder School.

Useful links

• Arc Of Greater Pittsburgh (Achieva): Disability Support And Advocacy
• Allegheny County Family Resource Guide: Special Needs Support
• Western Pennsylvania School For Blind Children: Official Website
• Pressley Ridge School For The Deaf: Official Website
• Allegheny Intermediate Unit: Special Education Services

Tutors in Pittsburgh

There's a high demand for tutors in Pittsburgh, with many parents choosing to have their children tutored. There are a vast number of options available to students who require extra help with specific school subjects.

Pittsburgh Prep is a well-established test preparation and tutoring company, and larger platforms like Wyzant and Varsity Tutors connect families with local tutors. Grade Potential Tutoring and Kumon also serve the Pittsburgh area.

If you don’t want to work through a tutoring service, you’ll find that there are also many private tutors in the city, ranging from retired teachers to university students from Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh.

Useful links

• Pittsburgh Prep: Test Preparation And Tutoring Services
• Wyzant: Find Pittsburgh Tutors
• Varsity Tutors: Pittsburgh Tutoring Services
• Kumon: Math And Reading Centers

The lifestyle in Pittsburgh offers exceptional value and year-round variety. The Steel City has become increasingly popular with professionals who want affordable city living. In Pittsburgh, you’ll encounter urban sophistication paired beautifully with small-town charm. Whether you prefer retail therapy, partying the night away or dining out at excellent eateries, Pittsburgh delivers.

Shopping in Pittsburgh

The walkable downtown area provides convenient shopping in Pittsburgh. It serves as the city’s retail hub and is home to the ‘diamond district’, a collection of high-end jewellery shops, in the Clark Building. The area has a range of well-known department stores. You’ll also find boutique clothing shops for unique finds. Everything is easily accessible on foot or via the city’s public transit system.

If you're on a budget, outlet shopping is a great way to spruce up your wardrobe at a fraction of the usual price. Grove City Premium Outlets is less than an hour outside Pittsburgh and has more than 130 outlet stores for the ultimate shopping experience. There’s also Tanger Outlets in Washington County, about 25 miles (40km) south of the city. It has over 80 outlet shops and is a popular destination for bargain hunters.

Cost of Living in Pittsburgh

Eating out in Pittsburgh

Eating out and grocery shopping in Pittsburgh will quickly become part of daily life. From local hotspots to elite fine-dining restaurants, you’re sure to find something to tickle your taste buds.

Weigh in on a decades-old debate by trying the pizza at both Mineo’s and Aiello’s. These two legendary pizzerias are located just six doors apart from each other on Murray Avenue in Squirrel Hill. Both family-owned establishments continue to thrive and maintain their passionate local followings. Throughout Pittsburgh, there are also plenty of excellent upscale eateries for you to discover.

Entertainment and nightlife in Pittsburgh

 The entertainment and nightlife options in Pittsburgh vary beautifully with the seasons, and the city serves up a wide variety of local wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Summer brings rooftop lounges and beer gardens, and winter features cosy indoor venues. Cocktail bars are scattered throughout the city.

Each neighbourhood offers its own character and easy connections via ride-share or public transit. Top areas for a fun night out include trendy Lawrenceville with its hip galleries and cocktail spots. Student-friendly Oakland sits near the universities. Local favourite Bloomfield has its own charm. The Strip District also comes alive at night with craft breweries and music venues. Downtown offers theatre, classical concerts and upscale dining options in the Cultural District.

Getting Around in Pittsburgh
Best Neighbourhoods in Pittsburgh

Arts and culture in Pittsburgh

Culture enthusiasts will be in seventh heaven with all the arts and culture options in Pittsburgh. The Steel City offers an impressive array of world-class cultural institutions. The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh are a must-see. They comprise an art museum, a natural history museum, a science museum and the famed Andy Warhol Museum. The latter is dedicated to the renowned pop culture artist from Pittsburgh, and it showcases his legacy and influence on modern culture. The museum recently announced expansion plans that will more than double its size.

If you’re interested in theatre, Pittsburgh is also a regular stop for touring Broadway productions at the Benedum Center in the Cultural District. Pittsburgh also has its own thriving theatre scene.

The city also offers exciting adult education opportunities through institutions like Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. You can enjoy everything from high-quality student productions to lecture series and continuing education programmes.

Outdoor activities and sports in Pittsburgh

The city’s exceptional variety between its four seasons makes outdoor activities and sports in Pittsburgh particularly appealing. Spring and summer offer hiking and cycling, while winter brings skiing, ice skating, and holiday markets when the snow falls. Several breathtaking parks are always available and offer year-round recreation.

Pittsburgh’s largest municipal park, Frick Park, spans 644 acres and offers extensive trails through wooded slopes and valleys. Point State Park provides scenic riverside paths and connects to the Great Allegheny Passage trail system. Schenley Park, near Squirrel Hill, rounds out the major green spaces with its rolling terrain and recreational facilities.

If you prefer to exercise indoors, Pittsburgh has a wide selection of gyms and fitness studios. They offer all sorts of equipment and classes, from boxing to aerial yoga and more.

Pittsburgh has three major stadiums, and you’ll be in a prime spot for world-class sporting games. The locals love to support the city’s three major teams. The Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL) play at Acrisure Stadium, the Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL) play at PPG Paints Arena, and the Pittsburgh Pirates (Major League Baseball) play at PNC Park.

See and do in Pittsburgh

You’ll discover a wealth of things to see and do in Pittsburgh when you arrive in this buzzing Pennsylvania metro. The city’s most popular attractions offer something for every season. They’re easily accessible by car or public transit.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens sits in Schenley Park. It’s a popular family outing that boasts gorgeous gardens and a 14-room Victorian glasshouse. Seasonal exhibits include orchids, bonsai trees and other intricate flora. This green oasis in bustling Oakland has been providing world-class garden experiences since 1893. Your kids are sure to enjoy the Discovery Garden, which offers children’s activities. They can also visit the Garden Railroad, where they can explore the tropical Treasure Island.

Duquesne Incline

This funicular is a fun activity for the whole family. It’s also a working museum that has been running since 1877. It takes passengers to the affluent Mount Washington neighbourhood atop the hill. The cars offer spectacular views over the city on the way up. Once you arrive at the upper section, you can look at photos and displays on the history of the incline and see its inner workings.

Carnegie Science Center

The Carnegie Science Center is a winner with the kids. It offers more than 250 hands-on exhibits that cover everything science and tech. These range from cars, planes, and energy to the solar system and space travel.

There’s also plenty to do here. You’ll need an entire day to take full advantage of attractions such as the indoor climbing and zipline courses, the four-storey Omnimax Theater, and the Henry Buhl Jr Planetarium and Observatory.

Don’t miss out on the Miniature Railroad and Village. It exhibits Pennsylvania’s history with animated miniature horse-drawn carriages, cars, trucks, and aeroplanes. You can also marvel at the USS Requin, a World War II submarine, as former submariners provide guided tours.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is enjoyed by both young and old, and it educates and entertains in equal measure. The museum covers our planet’s natural and cultural past and features exhibits ranging from dinosaurs, geology, and wildlife to Ancient Egyptian and Native American history.

The little ones will love the interactive Discovery Basecamp exhibit and the Bone Hunter’s Quarry, where they can dig up their own replica fossils.

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium have five animal habitats, which include everything from marine and coastal wildlife to forest dwellers, island animals and plains game of the African savannah. Kids adore interacting with the animals. Environmentally concerned parents can rest assured that it is a responsible zoo that greatly focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of animals. The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium has been operating since 1898 and is one of Pittsburgh’s most beloved family attractions.

Meeting people and making friends in Pittsburgh

There are many ways to meet people and make friends in Pittsburgh, but the main strategy is focused on the city’s active professional and business networking scene. The city’s friendly locals and thriving technology, healthcare, and finance industries create excellent opportunities for career-minded individuals to connect.

Business professionals can tap into Pittsburgh’s growing tech and innovation community through organisations like the Pittsburgh Technology Council, startup meetups, and co-working spaces throughout the city. The transformation from Steel City to the ‘Eds and Meds’ hub has created an active professional network. This spans Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, and major employers like Google and Uber.

Sports enthusiasts can join local leagues for everything from softball and basketball to ultimate Frisbee and running clubs. The city’s three major sports teams also set up natural conversation starters and bonding opportunities with fellow fans at games or sports bars around town.

Cultural activities are another excellent avenue for meeting people. The thriving arts scene means you can connect through museum memberships, theatre groups, book clubs, or volunteering at cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

Useful links

• Meetup Pittsburgh
• Eventbrite: Pittsburgh Business Networking

Getting around in Pittsburgh is relatively easy thanks to a well-developed public transport system consisting of buses, light rail and inclines. Downtown is a compact area, and parts of Pittsburgh are very pedestrian- and cycle-friendly. If you live in the city centre, you’re unlikely to need a car, although families and other suburbanites might find that driving makes life easier.

Public transport in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Regional Transit runs the public transport system in Pittsburgh. It operates an integrated ticketing system mainly based on the ConnectCard smartcard. The card can be loaded with credit and is valid for buses, light rail, funiculars, and bicycle rental.

Buses

Pittsburgh’s fleet of buses operates over 98 routes and is a great way to get around the city. There are both regular and rapid transit bus services. Rapid transit services have their own dedicated busways, allowing them to skip traffic and provide faster journeys across the region.

Most bus routes terminate Downtown, so if you need to travel from one side of Pittsburgh to the other, you’ll likely need to make at least one transfer.

Light rail

Known as the T, Pittsburgh’s light rail system spans 26 miles (42km) and is clean, efficient, and convenient. With three lines and more than 50 stops serving Downtown and southern neighbourhoods, the T covers essential areas and is used by many people for commuting.

The T can be an affordable mode of transport, given that its downtown route is free of charge from First Avenue to Allegheny.

Funicular

There are two historical funiculars in operation in Pittsburgh: the Monongahela Incline and the Duquesne Incline, both of which run between different parts of South Shore and Mount Washington. The Monongahela Incline is the oldest continuously operating funicular in the United States.

The inclines are great for experiencing a part of history while enjoying a panoramic view of the city. If you live in the area, they can be a useful form of transport, but they are mostly tourist attractions.

Useful links

• Pittsburgh Regional Transit

Taxis in Pittsburgh

Hailing a cab in the City of Bridges isn’t as simple as you might think. Unless you’re Downtown, hailing one off the street is unlikely, and the better option would be to call for one in advance. Most taxis operating in Downtown, called city cabs, are black and white and can be hailed off the street, but the city does have hundreds of other cab companies you could call.

Ride-hailing applications such as Uber and Lyft also operate in Pittsburgh.

Useful links

• Yellow Cab
• Eagle Cab
• Uber
• Lyft

Driving in Pittsburgh

You likely don’t need a car to get around in central Pittsburgh, especially if you live in the downtown area. Parking costs can add up quickly, and petrol prices in Pittsburgh tend to be above the national average. In addition, Downtown can be difficult to navigate, as streets are not laid out in a grid pattern, consisting of hundreds of one-ways, 400 bridges and a busy network of crisscrossing motorways.

Still, if you have children or wish to travel outside the city, owning a car can be highly useful.

Driver’s licences

For the first year from your date of entry into the United States, you’ll be able to drive on a valid foreign driver’s licence. It isn’t necessary to have an international driving permit, although this can make things easier. After a year, you’re required to replace your foreign licence with a Pennsylvania licence. This often requires going through a theory and possibly a practical driving test.

Public Transport, Driving, and Driver’s Licences in the USA

Useful links

• PennDOT: Driver’s Licenses And Photo IDs
• Pittsburgh Parking Authority

Cycling in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is fairly cycle friendly, with several dedicated cycling trails and lanes. You can bring your bicycle on any form of public transport.

If you don’t have your own bicycle, you can use the city’s bicycle-sharing scheme, POGOH. The system currently operates 60 stations with 600 bikes throughout the city, with over half being electric-assist bikes that help tackle Pittsburgh’s hills. Cyclists will need a POGOH membership, or they can opt for the pay-as-you-go option.

Useful links

• POGOH
• BikePGH: Cycling Advocacy And Resources